Connacht’s European challenge moves up another notch when they face familiar French opponents Montpellier in the quarter-final at Septeo Stadium today (Saturday ) 12.30pm, Irish time.
Connacht, three times semi-finalists, have ambitions to go at least one step further this season under Stuart Lancaster, but they are up against a French outfit that are twice winners of the Challenge Cup, and are currently enjoying a strong run.
Riding high in the French Championship Top 14, they are in fifth spot and will be full of confidence. Although they have made wholesale changes for this meeting, they still boast a handful of internationals, including Billy Vunipola, captain Yacoba Camara, Ali Price, Tom Banks, and on the bench is Lenni Nouchi, who captained France to the U20 World Rugby Championship trophy.
Montpellier’s only loss has been against Toulouse 29-45 in the Top 14, but Connacht are on something of a run too, having won their last six games in both the URC and Europe. It ensures Lancaster’s squad head to France with increasing confidence, while also acknowledging the strength of their opponents up front, and their ability to break from deep.
Connacht know what is coming, having lost to Montpellier 33-31 in the earlier pool one fixture. The French outfit produced a dominant last quarter in that outing, which will be very much at the forefront of Lancaster’s plans today.
Connacht's Cian Prendergast, who will make his 100th appearance for the Irish province, will be expected to lead from the front as captain.
Lancaster has made only four changes from the team that beat the Sharks last week. Dylan Tierney-Martin, replaces the injured Dave Heffernan, Sean Naughton comes in for Josh Ioane at outhalf, and Shayne Bolton, having recovered from injury, makes his first appearance after some three months. In the back row Paul Boyle starts at No 8, with Josh Murphy moving to the bench. Due to the unavailability of Finlay Bealham, Jack Aungier is named among the replacements. Props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, locks Joe Joyce and Darragh Murray, and Shamus Hurley-Langton complete the pack, while Matthew Devine continues at scrum-half. Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde will be expected to lead the attack from midfield, with Shane Bolton and and Chay Mullins on the wings, and Sam Gilbert continuing at fullback.
Stuart Lancaster believes Connacht has continued to grow this season, but will need his players to take be at their best against the French outfit.
“Knockout European rugby in France is a massive challenge, but one we’re really looking forward to. We’ve seen really positive growth within the group these last few months. However, we now need to take our performance up another level given how well Montpellier are playing.”
The Connacht coach says Prendergast’s 100th appearance for the club is a “huge achievement” .
“He leads by his actions on and off the field every day, and inspires everyone around him, so he deserves all the accolades he’ll get on what is a very proud day for him and his family.”
MONTPELLIER HÉRAULT RUGBY: T Banks, D Taofifenua, A Cadot, L Anyanwu, J Echegaray, D Miotti, A Price, B Erdocio, C Tolofua, M Haouas, F Verhaeghe, T DuGuid, Y Camara, A Becognee, BVunipola (c ). Replacements: L Akrab, E Forletta, V Welsch, M Tauleigne, L Nouchi, M Rates, T Vincent, A Vincent.
CONNACHT RUGBY: S Gilbert, S Bolton, C Forde, B Aki, C Mullins, S Naughton, M Devine, B Bohan, D Tierney-Martin, S Illo, J Joyce, D Murray, C Prendergast (c ), S Hurley-Langton, P Boyle. Replacements: M Victory, P Dooley, J Aungier, J Murphy, S O'Brien, B Murphy, J Carty, J Devine.
Referee: Luke Pearce (England ).
